On The Hunt For Poppies In Mexico — America's Biggest Heroin Supplier
The Mexican army gave NPR a firsthand look at its efforts to eradicate the flowering crop that's made into heroin.
heroin crisis
Communities Key To Fighting Opioid Crisis, HHS Secretary Says
Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is touring communities that have been hit hard by painkiller overdoses and heroin. He says, when it comes to opioid abuse, "We're losing as a nation."
A Twist On 'Involuntary Commitment': Some Heroin Users Request It
Some Massachusetts opioid users are so desperate to quit the drug habit that they are asking judges to lock them up and require treatment. Critics question whether courts should play this role.
A Small Town Wonders What To Do When Heroin Is 'Everywhere'
In Kutztown, Pa., school nurses stock naloxone to treat heroin overdoses. "Kids aren't afraid of it," a guidance counselor says. "It's available and it's cheap."
An Addict, Now Clean, Discusses Needle Exchanges And 'Hope After Heroin'
At the height of her addiction to heroin, Tracey Helton Mitchell lived in an alley and sold her body. Now she works as an addiction specialist helping others. Her new memoir is The Big Fix.
Ithaca's Plan To Open A Safe Site For Heroin Users Faces Legal Hurdles
The goal is to reduce the city's death toll from heroin. But it would be breaking various laws unless Ithaca gets a pass from the governor and federal authorities.
Tragedy Moves A Community To Combat Drug Addiction
The death of a teenager in 2012 shocked residents of a small Vermont city to come together and fight its opiate problem. The efforts are paying off.
Portraits Of Those Killed By Heroin Bring Healing And Awareness
Heroin and other opioid overdoses are projected to kill 400 people in New Hampshire this year. Many of them are young. And now one mom is painting portraits of those who overdosed.
Heroin, Opioid Abuse Put Extra Strain On U.S. Foster Care System
Roughly 265,000 U.S. kids entered foster care last year — the highest number since 2008. Officials say the abuse of heroin or prescription painkillers by more parents is one reason for the increase.
Illinois House Leaders Override Governor's Veto On Heroin Addiction Bill
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner partially vetoed the Heroin Crisis Act, which would have cleared the way for Medicaid to fund addiction treatments.